Towards a Framework for the Development of Effective Subcontracting and the Network Relations Among Small, Medium and Large Industries in Nigeria‪.‬

Introduction Accelerated economic growth, sustainable development and effective integration of the small and medium enterprises are essential requirements for increasing industrial output. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) industrial sub-sector which could have functioned as an anchor for rapid industrial development has experienced considerable problems due to less attention given to it when compared to large businesses. In particular, the small and medium enterprises are neither well developed nor are their operations modernized to perform their traditional roles of creating job opportunities for the mass of the people and mobilizing local resources that otherwise will not be drawn into the development process by large businesses. They also are not equipped to stimulate and foster effective horizontal links between themselves and vertical linkages with larger manufacturing and service industries for increased market access, enhanced investment flows, skills development and technological advancements.